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8 THE PENNSYLVANIA ODD FELLOW February 2006 PERSEVERANCE ENCAMPMENT #135 HOLDS ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE AND HOLIDAY PARTY On Saturday evening, December 3, 2005 members and friends gathered at Walker Lodge's Hall to remember and honor the Perseverance Encampment Patriarchs who had died during the year and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. During the Memorial portion of the gathering, Patriarch Christian Haussler presented the memorial flower for Patriarch Gilbert A. Rand who died on October 30, 2004, and Patriarch William Hilt presented the memorial flower for Patriarch Andrew Thomas who died on October 27,2005. Following the Memorial Message and some music provided by the "Colonial Revelers," the group was entertained by the "Colonial Revelers" who sang a variety ofcarols and songs from Colonial America period. The group than played some games ofbingo and enjoyed light refreshments before leaving ready to enjoy the holiday season. WALKER LODGE NO. 306 CELEBRATES THE CHRIISTMASHOLIDAYS On Monday, December 19, 2005, Walker Lodge held it's annual Christmas dinner at Walker Lodge. There were approximately 85 members and guests in attendance. As customary, there was a "Happy Hour" with condiments from 5:30 to 6:30 PM before the dinner. All proceeds from the Happy Hour were donated to the Visual Eye Research with a matching donation from the Mary I. Clay Charitable Trust Fund. Entertainment included Holiday music, videos of this year's Children's Christmas Party, held on the previous Saturday at Walker Lodge and videos of some previous Christmas dinners held at Walker Lodge (my how some of us have aged). A basket of cheer was chanced off by the Rebekah's (Walker's usual attending guests) which was won by Brother Rick Meagher who came to the dinner late, puta dollar in the drawing and walked off with the prize - what timing. Special thanks goes out to Brother Charles Balmer and his wife Judy who perform their happy hour hosting duties for the event. The dinner was followed by the 8 PM membership meeting. During the meeting, Brother Rick Meagher gave a report on Walker's custom of presenting a box of chocolate candy to all widows of deceased members which were distributed by committee members. During "Good of the Order," a group picture of the membership in attendance was taken with our present Noble Grand Sister Jane Danihel at the center ofthe portrait. In F.L.& T., hope we can all do this again next year and with an increase in lodge membership on the rolls. Best wishes go out to all those associated with Odd Fellowship everywhere for a Happy, Healthy and Safe year 2006.
February 2006 REBEKAH MAGAZINE 9 P.O.F. DAYS GONE BY 75 YEARS AGO (February 1931) GRAND MASTER AT JOHNSTOWN Representatives of almost all of the sixteen ~I odges of the Order in Cambria County were present Saturday evening, February 14, when Alma Lodge No. 523, was host in Alma Hall, Johnstown, to Webster Grim, Grand Master. Brother Grim was accompanied by Grand Herald Harvey F. Case. These two officers have been making a series of visits to lodges in Western Pennsylvania in the interest of the Grand Master's Contest. During the session of Alma Lodge, Grand Master Grim presented a number of facts and figures showing the work being done by the Order in Pennsylvania, all of which proved instructive and gratifying to the membership. At close of the business session an entertainment was provided by the officers and members ofAlma Lodge. In the audience were the families and a number offriends ofthe members. The entertainment program was in charge of Elias Evans, D.D.G.M. Group singing was enjoyed, with Paul Cassler directing and John W. Daubert playing the piano. Brothers Grim and Case addressed the general meeting. Robert Gittings, of Highland Lodge, Ebensburg, gave a brief talk on the condition of the Order in the Second District of Cambria County. A talk was also given by William Nimmo, ofNanty-Glo, a member of Blacklick Lodge. ALMA LODGE #523 LOSES MORE THAN A BROTHER When Alma Lodge opened for business on December 16, 2005, the "Opening Ode" and our "National Anthem," usually sung with delightful piano accompaniment, were sung a cappella. BrotherDavid H. Stiffler, PG, PCP, and Alma Lodge's talented musician for as long as anyone can remember, passed away at his home on December ]5, 2005. Born in 192, Dave was a U.S. Army veteran ofWW II, a retired employee ofBethlehem Steel Corporation, a retired organist at his church, a Sunday school teacher, and an Odd Fellow since April2, 1946. Not only did Dave provide the music for our Lodge meetings but also for William F. Packer Encampment meetings and all degree work done in the Lodge. On a personal note, I happen to be the current Noble Grand of Alma Lodge. When the counter-sign is given during opening or when a vote is taken during the course of business, I look around the Lodge room to see the results. Dave's station was at the piano, to the ,left and slightly behind the Noble Grand's station. Out of habit I glanced over my left shoulder a couple times during the December 16th meeting to record Dave's vote. There was no one there. Each time it hit me - how much we have lost with Dave's passing. What a great Brother has gone to the final roll call. Dave will be missed by all ofus, but we can take some consolation in knowing that he's playing for the Most Grand Master now and somewhere his music and kind demeanor are making a difference we were privileged to enjoy for many, many years. RespectfuUy submitted by Glenn L. CampbeU Anotherpleasing feature ofthe entertainmentprogram were the instrumental selections by George and Ruth Egolf. At the conclusion of the program refreshments were served by a committee of which Milton C. Smith was chairman. CARBONDALE Cambrian Lodge, No. 58, is still keeping the ball rolling in the Grand Master's Contests. Three candidates were initiated the first meeting night in February. Americao Vespucci Lodge No. 513, of Jessup, came along with nine more, which made a fine class and all will receive the rest of their degrees at Carbondale. While we do notexpect to gain a prize in this contest, we feel that it has helped us to at least gain 12 new members and perhaps more before it is over. We have now two more names for the month of March. So just let's keep that ball a-rolling, boys, you can never tell how far we may be able to push it. CLASS OF 12 AT GETTYSBURG The degree staff of Carlisle Encampment No. 183, were to visit Gettysburg, on Tuesday, February 18, to confer the three Encampment degrees on a class of twelve candidates for Union Encampment No. 126. The Grand Patriarch, Robert L. Peters, and members ofhis staff were expected to be present, and visitors from other districts were also to be present. SHIPPENSBURG ALSO HAS GOOD CLASS Valley Encampment, No. 34, of Shippensburg, the home Encampment of Grand Patriarch Peters, had a good class for the Patriarchal Degree on Friday, February 6, in their hall. The staffof this Encampment conferred the degree on its own candidates. There were thirteen in the group admitted with this class. 25 YEARS AGO (February 1981) PHOENIX LODGE NO. 212 "Your lodge hall is like a church or temple and should be treated with dignity and respect," Carl Muller, Grand High Priest of the Grand Encampment of Pennsylvania, told members of Phoenix Lodge #212, Independent Order ofOdd Fellows, at a rally recently in the Bridge St. Temple. Introduced by Thomas W. Gay, Past Chief Patriarch, Muller warned that the rituals must not be taken lightly. "Everything means something," he continued. "The more we know about lodge procedure, the more meaningful the ritual becomes. Be proud of your lodge and your officers." Patriarch John Keenan, who officiated at the rally, then introduced the following county officials: William R. Perry, Grand, Grand Treasurer, and H. Frank Stanley, Past Grand Patriarch, both of the Grand Encampment. Also a special guest, Joseph B. Stott, Philadelphia, Junior Warden, Perseverance Encampment #135. Following remarks by Perry, Stanley, and Stott, lodge members discussed the growth of the lodge and the early days when local officials participated in degree work. Chief among these was the late Morris Benowitz, who was instrumental in getting many new members. It was Benowitz who stressed the importance of degree work.
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